United States

USA VISA

The United States offers a variety of visas for individuals intending to visit, work, study, or live in the country. The U.S. operates on a non-immigrant and immigrant visa system. Non-immigrant visas are temporary and are issued for specific purposes, such as tourism, business, work, or study. Immigrant visas are for individuals seeking permanent residence, often referred to as “Green Cards.” The United States has a long history of immigration and is still a popular destination. The US Census Bureau predicted that there would be 44.9 million immigrants living in the nation in 2020. According to the report, the number of global immigrant visas issued in FY 2022 jumped by 73% to 493,448. The number of nonimmigrant visas issued globally rose by 144% to 6,815,120.

Common Types of U.S. Visas:

B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa: This visa category includes the B-1 visa for business visitors and the B-2 visa for tourists. It allows individuals to visit the U.S. temporarily for business meetings, conferences, tourism, medical treatment, or visiting friends and relatives.
F-1 Student Visa: This visa is for individuals who wish to study at a U.S. academic institution. It requires acceptance by a U.S. educational institution and allows students to stay in the U.S. for the duration of their studies.
H-1B Visa: The H-1B visa is for skilled foreign workers employed in specialized occupations. It requires sponsorship by a U.S. employer and is commonly used in fields such as IT, engineering, finance, and healthcare.
-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: This visa is for individuals participating in approved exchange programs, such as students, interns, trainees, researchers, or participants in cultural exchange programs.
L-1 Visa: The L-1 visa is for intracompany transferees, allowing multinational companies to transfer employees from foreign branches to work in the U.S. It requires sponsorship by a U.S. employer and is often used for managers, executives, or employees with specialized knowledge.
O-1 Visa: The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics. It requires evidence of outstanding achievements and international recognition.
K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa: This visa allows U.S. citizens to bring their foreign fiancé(e)s to the U.S. for the purpose of getting married. After marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.
Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery): The Diversity Visa Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, provides an opportunity for individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. to apply for a chance to obtain permanent residence.